OriginalHunger Gamesstar Elizabeth Banks expresses enthusiasm for the casting of a returning character inThe Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. After five previous movies, the world of Suzanne Collins' beloved young adult book franchise is now set to return to the big screen once more with a new film from director Francis Lawrence. Based on Collins' novel of the same name, theSunrise on the Reapingstoryfollows Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) as he competes in the 50th Hunger Games, with Elle Fanning recently confirmed to be playing the returning Effie Trinket.
In a recent interview withPeopleat the premiere ofThe Better Sister, Banks reacts to the news that Fanning will be playing Effie inSunrise on the Reaping.Banks, who played Effie in the four originalHunger Gamesmovies, reveals that she’s already texted Fanning about it, sharing thatshe thinks the star is a “perfect” fitfor the character:
““I’m thrilled for her. We already texted.I’m super excited. I texted the producers as well, and I think she’s perfect.”
Banks touches on the generally positive response to the casting announcement, expressing excitement that a new Effie is on the way:
“I think everyone’s really happy. And I’m really happy about that. I’m excited for the next generation to have their Effie.”
The actor does admit that she hasn’t yet readSunrise on the Reaping, but she does says she’s “got time” before the film comes out:
“So please don’t ask me any more about the book. I feel terrible, but I have yet to read.”
What This Means For Sunrise On The Reaping
Elle Fanning Is One Of A Number Of Franchise Newcomers Playing Original Characters
Fanning is one of several new actors confirmed to be part of theSunrise on the Reapingcast. The movie will feature the return of a number of familiar characters, butthe story being set 24 years before the events of the firstHunger Gamesmeans that all of these returning characters will be played by different actors. Zada, for example, is taking on the role of Haymitch after Woody Harrelson played the character in the original four movies.
Jesse Plemons will be playing Plutarch Heavensbee, a role previously played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Ralph Fiennes is taking on the role of President Snow, the villainous character previously played by the late Donald Sutherland in the four originalHunger Gamesmoviesand by Tom Blyth inThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes(2023) prequel. And it was also recently revealed that Kieran Culkin will be playing Caesar Flickerman, the Hunger Games host that Stanley Tucci brought to life in the original films. See the chart below for a full list of known castings:
Mags Flanagan
Lili Taylor
Banks' enthusiasm about Fanning’s casting is a positive sign for the film, but it does highlight thatmany of these new actors playing returning characters have big shoes to fill. The originalHunger Gamesmovies were all very successful, after all, and actors like Sutherland, Hoffman, and Banks, among others, were generally well-liked in their respective roles.
Our Take On Banks' Comments About Sunrise On The Reaping’s New Effie
Fanning Is A Great Choice
It’s early days forSunrise on the Reaping, as the film is still 18 months from releasing in theaters, but the cast alone is reason enough to be excited about the project. Fanning, in particular, is a promising addition, as she recently made a mark starring opposite Timothée Chalamet inA Complete Unknown(2024). Fanning’s roles in other projects likeThe Great(2020 – 2023),Maleficent: Mistress of Evil(2019),The Neon Demon(2016), andTrumbo(2015) only further establish her as a strong performer.
Fanning can next be seen in thecast ofPredator: Badlandsthis November.
Still, though, the new cast members have a daunting task ahead of them, as many will be playing characters that first made their way onto screens back in 2012. It remains to be seen howThe Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reapingwill fare with audiences, but Banks is evidently excited to see the new take on Effie.
